Overview i.e. what the makers say
The DAC1 is a reference-quality, 2-channel 192-kHz 24-bit audio digital-to-analogue converter featuring Benchmark’s UltraLock technology. The DAC1 is designed for maximum transparency and is well suited for critical playback in studio control rooms and in mastering rooms. A compact and rugged enclosure makes the DAC1 an excellent choice for location recording, broadcast facilities, and mobile trucks.
The internal power supply supports all international voltages and has generous margins for over and under voltage conditions. Two 0.25” headphone jacks are driven with Benchmark’s new HPA 21" headphone amplifier. The HPA21" is a high-current amplifier that is capable of driving a wide variety of headphone loads while achieving less than 0.0003% distortion under load.
The gain control sets the output level of the headphone jacks. It can also be used to control the output level of the balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analogue outputs. A rear-panel switch selects Variable or Calibrated output levels.
What other people say about Benchmark DACs
The following is a completely unsolicited end-user comment – and typical of many!
". . . Well having had a chance to listen to the DAC-Pre for some time now I will definitely be keeping it. To say I am stunned at the results would be an understatement. I was considering upgrading my entire HiFi system after hearing a system at a friend's neighbour a while ago which blew me away. It was an expensive system and way beyond my budget. The CD player was £3300 and the Preamp was £4500. I compared the DAC-Pre and my "cheap" CD player to this £8000's worth of front end and mine beat it! Not by a huge margin, subtly better I would say, but still better. And the CD player is supposed to be a bargain at £3.3K! Beats all your Naim CDs etc., at much more money.
Also it has completely transformed the sound from my Linn LP player (a pretty basic version and very old). This is via a separate pre-amp I just bought for £500 (an earlier of the £4.5K one I just mentioned) and into the analogue I/P on the DAC-Pre. So not only is the DAC outstanding, but so is the preamp (and the headphone amp).
I have told a couple of friends who are into HiFi about the DAC-1 so you might be getting a couple more sales. You are right to say that there is a lot of interest in the DAC, quite rightly so. In fact SVC have taken out a full page advert in this month's HiFi news. My advice to you, do the same but perhaps a small advert. Also, download the August edition of the Absolute sound, it's only $4.
There is a review of the DAC which is the most astounding review I have ever read. They are basically saying that the DAC-1 has sorted CD sound. It's about as good as it's going to get at any price, but the cost is only $1500! Don't believe the posts on the web dissing it, I guess a lot of folk with vested interests are trying to do that because if the word got out, the market for high end CDs players and preamps is finished! As the AS review said, the start of a new era in HiFi . . .”
Tests / reviews
http://www.stereophile.com/budgetcomponents/108bench/index.html
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue26/benchmark_dac1.htm
What Stereonow have to say about Benchmark DACs
When it comes to using an external DAC, for me personally, I always use the Benchmark DAC-1 pre in my system. Its incisive delivery suits my mood, my system, my taste in music and my room acoustics. Simple as that.
Please take note of the following:
Despite unofficial reports to the contrary (such is the intentional or unintentional mischief caused by some members of some forums) neither I nor any of my Benchmark customers who’ve made the comparison have heard any significant differences sonically between ANY of the four models. By this I mean if there is a difference, then no one I know has heard it!
And what that means is that all you are paying for between the four models is the difference in facilities and nothing more!
However, the above statement does not take into account the differences between sounds between the various alternative digital inputs. By this I mean it would be irresponsible of me to suggest that there is a consistent improvement between say optical, coaxial and USB. So I won’t comment.
Benchmark DACs and the influence of serious power cords:
Yes, the Benchmark does – according to all my Benchmark owners – benefit from a high quality power cord. The Damiel power cords are ideal, and at a totally realistic price too!
http://www.stereo-now.co.uk/damiel.html
Questions re Benchmark?
Try here: http://www.stereo-now.co.uk/qa.html
The Benchmark DAC models
Price for theDAC-1 preamp
DAC-1 preamp HDR
(with remote control)
DAC-1 (without USB)
DAC-1 (with USB)
For further information please feel free to contact Howard on his direct mobile number 07870 192618 9.30am up to 9.00pm Monday to Thursday inclusive. Thank you.
Thank you.